EDITOR’S NOTE: In the run up to the general election, Dominica News Online will be publishing a brief profile or biography of each candidate from the two political political parties contesting the poll. The publications will be done in a random order. DNO would like to thank both the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP) for their assistance in providing the material.
Casius Darroux (DLP)
I am honoured to have been chosen to represent you as a member of the Dominica Labour Party team for the upcoming General Election. As you know, under the caring and compassionate leadership of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt, there have been great strides in the development of our people from Kalinago Territory, Atkinson and Antrizzle.
Much still remains to be done and I believe that my training and experience puts me in an excellent position to take our constituency to the next level.
My focus will therefore be on your personaldevelopment and improvements to the infrastructure that will help you achieve your dreams. I hope to be able to do so while safeguarding and indeed strengthening our customs and our heritage.
The unique culture of the Kalinago gives our constituency a distinct advantage within the tourism sector and we must continue to capitalize on this as a viable source of income for everyone. It will be important to tie agricultural pursuits to tourism to demonstrate the traditional features of our crops like cassava, but this does not mean that we will not benefit from improved farming techniques and technology. I intend to ensure that our farmers get their fair share of assistance in terms of production inputs and finance for agriculture.
Similarly, I will ensure that the elderly within our community who are in need benefit from the Yes We Care programme and from the Government’s housing revolution.
I also intend to find a solution to the age-old problem of credit for our people who may want to get loans from the commercial banking sector but who have no equity in the land.
Education for both our adult population and our young people will continue to be of primary importance. Access to information is an important learning tool today and it is my intention to establish two or three communication centres throughout the constituency for use by our residents of all ages.
I would also like to see new development at Concord in the area of aqua farming and a water park for both tourist and locals alike. This project could be a major revenue earner for the people of Kalinago Territory and I will be moving early to source funding for this project.
I am asking you for your vote so that I can continue to improve your quality of life and secure a brighter future for you and your children. I will work hard for you every day.
Some of Darroux’s plan include, but not limited to,:
-Intensive development of agriculture and aquaculture with linkages to tourism
-Establishment of a water park and water sporting complex
-Intensive marketing of our cultural heritage to make the Salybia constituency a premier tourist site
-Intensify the marketing strategies ofKBA and construct more complementary structures to cater for the needs of the
visitors and making it a living museum
Claudius Sanford (UWP)
Over ten years ago, I joined a movement to bring sustainable development to the constituency of Salybia and its environs – an area collectively known as the Kalinago Territory. Today, the struggle for economic freedom and justice for the people of my constituency has reached a tipping point. I stand firmly as a candidate to represent my people in Dominica’s House of Assembly in the 2015 election.
I attended the Salybia Primary School and St. Andrews Secondary School, before pursuing a certificate in Education from the University of the West Indies.
I went on to obtain an advanced diploma in Human Resource Planning and Development and a Certificate in Physical Education and Sports from the Macolin Sports Institute in Bien, Switzerland.
I was awarded a Fullbright Faculty Development Scholarship in 2011, enabling me to pursue a Master’s Degree in Economic Policy.
My career has included teaching sports and mathematics at the primary and secondary school level, economics at the Dominica State College, and working with the government’s ministry of sports, in addition to representing my community in a number of sporting competitions.
In 2005 I was appointed senator in the House of Assembly, a position I maintained until 2011 when I went to pursue my graduate degree.
As a member of parliament I will work at the highest level of government to boost agriculture, tourism and education in the Kalinago Territory.
Four top priorities:
-Agricultural development
-Economic Opportunity
-Expanded tourism
-Development of Kalinago Territory
I cannot understand why some people are so focused on The UWP treating Claudius bad. Claudius has gotten the worse treatment from his own Kalinago people who have failed to see the quality individual they keep rejecting. You people vote all kinds of mediocre people over him and yet you say that uwp treated him badly. You all conscience are dead if you all blaming uwp for treating him badly. You people are bought and sold too easily that is why you all never voted for him cause he is unable to buy you guys. Stop all you crap about uwp treated him bad and give him the chance he deserves then you all can make a noise about he being in leadership position
Hello and good morning my people. Well we have two candidates but only one give us his qualifications for the position.
How can we have elections and don’t have any debates so our people make an informed decision. Time is running out but at lease we should have a debate between Mr Linton and the Prime Minister.
It’s strange. Mr. Darroux has a masters degree and studying for a doctorate but it was not mentioned here.
Clearly Cassius do not have the interest of his people at heart on the night of the launching in Roseau his God was Skerrit,& the Labour Party; has he ever contacted his chief to discuss plans and way forward for his people? have you ever heard him spoken of the rights of our indigenous people? not a single word uttered in that direction, now you have a most eloquent kalinago chief you need a representative to work side by side with him,
The U W P executive party answered the call of the chief and council and had discussions with them as to the way forward, the chief and council also wrote to the prime minister offering them the same opportunity, unfortunately the Labour Party executive didn’t even recognize the councils letter of invitation
Clearly skerrit and his party is only looking out for themselves and is using poor Dominicans to safeguard themselves and that goes for the kalinago people too and if Cassius is the man that he claims to be, he should not even consider standing as a candidate for people like skerrit and his kabal, by him presenting himself clearly tells us quaib sort; and no matter how much qualification he is claiming to have had, that is another clear example of people thinking like skerrit; who claims to have a degree in psychology but cannot show the certificate.
Where are we going with Casius Kalinagos? Where can he take us? Pimp Mr pimping the constituency for Skerrit and his gang.
so far in the candidates that DNO has published for know ur candidate the UWP team have more educational background and more experience. I personally feel that the PM picks candidates that he can speak down to not candidates that can hold a civil and productive conversation with. But the choice is with the people let the best team win
Educational background? You guys contradict your own selves. Since when education was of importance? Behave yourself.
on the other hand its so important to the dlp, yet they have few equally qualified and experienced members as those on the UWP’s team!
I guess the PM’s two degrees making up for all those on his team who have none!
are u foolish? Casius is now doing his PHD.!
Casius can’t be,compared with Claudius.
Not even Eddie has confidence in his own guy……
Dear Kalinago people, base on the qualifications of the two men both Kalinago children, you should not vote by party colour but the best man to represent you, the man who has a future in Dominica politics, a potential PM for Dominica. So take pride in your son of the territory and vote for Claudius Sanford, a vote for Sanford is a vote for not only the Kalinago territory but a vote for Dominica.
Sanford should back off for the way they treated him try to remember the speech he gave in castel Bruce the day linton was choosen fot the leadship. He said he is highly educated betrayed and was also a dark day for him. Edison gave this young man a hugh blas.
My boy Bakay is the best man here, no doubt about it, But my problem is, his party has disrespected him and the kalinago people, and has no regards for him. how is it possible that a man of such high calibre of qualification, who has been with the UWPwi from day one, was overlooked by these fellaz, and introduced a man from no where to be leader. I cant accept it. Its disrespect to the highest level. Sandford should b leader of the UWP. I hope u guys can c it from my perspective.
I sincerely hope that Cassius gets a real ministry and not a phantom ministry. I have hopes
i forgot to include that he is in his late 30’s to early 40’s and lives with his parents..
Someone is asking you about your self and you;re promoting another man?
As you know, under the caring and compassionate leadership of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt, there have been great stridesin the development of our people fromKalinago Territory, Atkinson and
Antrizzle.
Brother, we not interested in what Rs has done in the Carib Territory – we want to kow about you, your alleged PHd, etc…
is that the man dress up in red in the picture giving out the plwood now dress up in suit?
How are we supposed to know who to vote for. All POLITRICANS in Dominica is de same ting. Labor- UWP. Sé meme bagai
We will all know who know’s who best on the night of December 8th… We voting Casso
Topping a poll does not mean u are the “best”. It can also mean who cheated the most and who was able to bribe and illegally import the most voters.
Hmmm…Mr. Casius Darroux..i did not learn anything about you…can you please rewrite….!
i totally agree wit u…all i kno is his name.u see d man want nobody to kno who he is.d man ignored wat was asked of him but instead did wat the dlp ask him to do.
It’s quite clear that mr.Sanford ,is the best . I am confident that he will be a good representative for the Carib people. So in my conclusion, we all voting UWP
I think the other candidate is just not ready yet. He needs a lot of time to reach political maturity.
Mr. Sanford is the clear choice for the kalinago constituency.
A few days ago, Roosevelt Skerrit said in Calibishie that he would never want a daughter like Monelle because he would lose a grandchild making reference to the loss of Monelle Williams’ (The UWP Candidate for St. Joseph) child. For Casius Darroux (DLP) to refer to Mr. Skerrit as a caring and compassionate leader is an insult. The loss of a child is devastating to ANY woman and a comment like that goes far beyond the realms of politics.
With that being said, Mr. Darroux’s profile appears to be a carbon-copy statement from the DLP Manifesto. Mr. Sanford on the other hand appears to be a man of the Kalinago soil and one who cares deeply about the welfare of the Territory and the well-being of the Kalinago People. Hence, it is my humble opinion that Mr. Claudius Sanford is much better suited for the job of representing the true indigenous people of Dominica and I believe that the Kalinago people will mirror that sentiment resoundingly at the polls on the 8th of December, 2014.
Beautifully written.
I totally agree with the previous comment ….I have known mister Sanford all my life …casius needs to give a bit detail about himself ….since he hasn’t been living in Dominica for a long time …it would be appreciated …
In keeping with the Dominica News Online publication of the brief profiles and/or biographies of the candidates contesting the December 8th general election, here is my objective analysis. Again, I am not interjecting party alliance here because currently, I am undecided, and I considered myself an “Independent”. Therefore, it is paramount, at least from my viewpoint, that I look at “credential” and here are my logical conclusions:
Mr. Claudius Sanford over Mr. Casius Darroux (thumbs up).
If we are too seriously look at these two candidates based on the information provided in the DNO profiles, without a doubt Mr. Sanford would get the job and Mr. Darroux would not be even considered for an interview.
Needless to say, we have to be realistic, as this is not how we cast our votes in this country. Therefore, without being naïve, it is more likely that Mr. Darroux will win the election over Mr. Sanford and that will be based solely on ignorance, naivety and allegiance to the “National Party” by the constituents. Caution: no need for the attacks rather those who feel compel to should perhaps redirect that energy and time towards reflections, and put down the stones that you have just picked to throw in my direction. At the end of the day, I am just being objective and telling it as it is (like it or not).
You are nothing but a HYPOCRITE! Don’t come with your bull about being an undecided voter.
Amen @ A, pure hippocrisy.
DNO
Was the above a profile of the candidates or information which you pulled out of a presentation being made by the candidates at some forum which they were at. I thought if a news medium is seeking to present a profile, the people in question would be interviewed for that purpose or you would do your research and present information to the public about the candidates.
Talk about skewing public opinion!
The comments seem to be exactly what you wanted DNO
Mr Carson
Though I agree with your brief analysis of the candidates, I believe it is insulting to the kalinago people to say that Mr Darroux will win the seat based on ignorance and naivety of the people and allegiance to the ruling party. One thing that we are not able to analyse by the the written profiles and bio is the relationship that these candidates have with the people and the community. One may appear to be a better candidate on paper/qualifications, but that may just be all there is to that candidate. Remember most people vote for the who – the candidate and just the candidate.
Mr Carson
Though I agree with your brief analysis of the candidates, I believe it is insulting to the kalinago people to say that Mr Darroux will win the seat based on ignorance and naivety of the people and allegiance to the ruling party. One thing that we are not able to analyse by the the written profiles and bio is the relationship that these candidates have with the people and the community. One may appear to be a better candidate on paper/qualifications, but that may just be all there is to that candidate. Remember most people vote for the who – the candidate and just the candidate.
DNO I thought the objective of this was to KNOW about the candidates? After reading the DLP candidate’s message it is like he was writing for the DLP’s manifesto. What are his qualifications? Who is he? What has been his past contributions to the Kalinago people?
At least the UWP candidate stayed on topic…
DNO please moderate the contributions of the remaining representatives and have them stick to the topic.
Give it to the labourites, they do not hide their incompetence. Casius just proved that point. He was given a golden opportunity to sell his self, and he failed spectacularly.
They are banking on the stupidity of the electorate to keep them hired. When dealing with a politically primitive populace (like what generally affords its self in d/ca) it makes no sense to be qualified and competent
How much insultive can you all be to the Dominican people? You should be able to respect someone else’s choice whether or not they are of the same opinion with you.
Is that the reason why you have chosen an uneducated man to be the leader of the party?
Time for change in Kalinago Territory. Sanford all the way.
If leadership and education matter to supporters of the DLP, . their should be absolutely no ,problems in voting Mr. Claudius Sanford. as the next Kalinago Parliamentary Representative. It would be madness for the Kalinago people to give up the opportunity to have the Deputy Prime Minister of Dominica.
Where is the deputy in oposition well all you have hope that will never come true
@Doc.Love, Do you even have a brain? How is Claudius Sanford to be the Deputy Prime Minister of Dominica when his party is still going to be in opposition? Don’t you think that Kalinagos would be really stupid to vote for him on that basis as if we do not understand politics? Nou pa sot ou sav!!! They want us to vote for him because he is educated etc but the truth is, If UWP had any respect for him, they’d have given him leadership of the party, not deputy and passed over as leader so many times!
The Siou certainly not fooling me i taking all and voting blue.
Hello! This is called know your candidate. Although I am happy to know what Casius Darroux intends to do, I did not learn anything about him as an individual, his accomplishments, etc. A brief biography, then the plans of the candidates for the constituency would be nice.
both men are great and would do well. There is lil respect given to Adam Over the yrs by his peers. This is an intelligent man taken for granted. UWP cannot tell me that they have such caliba of men in their camp and took a novice who does not have the basic education. This is an embarrassment and it will cost them in the election. Strong Adam supporter. Time u put down ur foot. Hector John u too must rise.
I met Claudius
Do you want a trophy?
Hector if he has basic education why is Skerrit afraid to debate him. Lennox is much more intelligent than Skerrit, so back off. Have you listen to your PM and the nonsense that come out of this man mouth? Change is a must, not an option. TEAM DOMINICA!
If intelligence is running your mouth without control then I agree. If it is sounding smart, I agree. It if it using words, and having impressively structured sentences, yes I agree. When it comes to having control of the words spoken and using tone effectively, I totally disagree.
Please tell us how much respect labour has for it’s kalinago candidates it keeps on using and spitting out like soiled toilet paper.
I am not voting for anyone of you. Both of you are puppets to your masters.
Esmerelda Please don’t do that remember you make a difference a big one too you as an indevidual is very important. Vote even is you have to close your eyes and make the X… oyu know why Papa God will guide your hand to the one. listen to the two sides and make a decision its ok you may not like totally what either side is going to do totally but they are not equal one definately tips over the other. Your vote counts. think about it. God bless and guide you as you search for the party to lead us/ you and our families. God bless you. Dont Give up on Dominica.
Best you run for that constituency, you will not be a puppet.
who cares who you vote for?